#52 Ancestors #4: John Clifton Connors

Hello everyone!  I am behind on my #52Ancestors postings!  I have been sick the past few weeks, but wanted to try to catch up a little.  Here's a little biography on my husband's grandfather:

John Clifton Connors was born on 28 March 1917 in Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts to Patrick James Connors and Isabelle McDonald.   He was the second of nine children, but was one of only two children born in the United States.  Patrick and Isabelle came to the US for a time but then decided to go back to their hometown of St. John’s, Newfoundland. 

            John joined the British Army during World War II.  He went overseas to England and in Dunkirk he was injured by shrapnel in his back.  After his tour with the British Army he received his Order to Report for Induction to the United States Army.  He was to report to Fort Pepperrell in St. John’s.  This started his twenty-two year career as a member of the Army Air Corps. 

            In 1947, John received word from The Foreign Service of the United States that the application submitted in his case had been approved and that he was repatriated back to the U.S. 

            On 18 January 1948 while stationed at Fort Pepperrell Air Force Base in St. John’s Newfoundland, John married Rita Fitzgerald.  They had three daughters:  Mary Rosalind, Monica Isabelle, and Agnes Anne. 

            John loved being in the military and was stationed at many different places.  They were stationed in Newfoundland, Alaska, Maine, Montana, and New York.  He rose to the rank of Master Sergeant and at his time of retirement he had received many awards including the Good Conduct Medal with bronze clasp and five bronze loops.  He took a lot of pride in his work and had many letters of appreciation and commendation in his file.  He constantly strove to improve himself by taking classes in everything from American History to Intelligence Operations Training. 

            Heart problems forced him to retire in October 1967 while he was stationed on Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine.  He retired on disability and was not able to work again.  The family lived in Maine until the harsh winters forced them to move a little farther south to New Jersey.  John loved to garden and according to his daughter Agnes, he planted his gardens so there were always flowers blooming.  He also loved to work in his woodshop in the garage. 

            John passed away on 5 September 1984 while he and Rita were living with daughter Agnes and her family.  He is buried in Annville, Pennsylvania.